Police

Becoming a Police Officer in Nashville

Employment Standards

  • Two years (60 Semester hours) of general academic studies from an accredited college or university with an overall Grade Point Average of 2.0 ("C" Average) on a 4.0 scale. Hours for remedial courses will not be counted. No more than two (2) transcripts will be evaluated. The cumulative hours and Grade Point Average (GPA) must appear on the transcript. Candidates must submit "official" transcripts that meet Metro's Educational Standards. At least one half of the total hours must be taken in residence, no more than half may be earned in non-traditional credits.

    OR

    Applicant must have at least 2 years of active military duty and possess a high school diploma or GED. Must not have been released or discharged under other than Honorable from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

    OR

    Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and documentation of a minimum of 2 years full-time law enforcement experience in a patrol capacity with a certification from Tennessee P.O.S.T. or equivalent State certification board.

    OR

    Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and have 5 years of responsible work experience.


    AND
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age. (May apply 2 (two) months prior to your 21st birthday).
  • The Distant Visual Acuity in each eye must be no worse than 20/100 (Snellen) uncorrected, corrected 20/20 in the better eye and 20/30 in the other eye. Binocular vision must be at 20 feet. Must have normal depth perception. Must have normal color vision.
  • Valid "Class D" Driver's License.
  • Citizen of the United States.
  • Have not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violations of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substance.
  • Your driving record will be considered part of the background investigation for this position. Multiple offenses and/or chargeable accidents are grounds for disqualification or removal from the eligibility register.
  • Honorable discharge from Military Service (if applicable).
  • The medical requirements for enlistment or appointment to either the Army or Navy are the basis for physical suitability at the time of appointment.
  • Meet standards set by the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly on June 24, 1983, T.C.A. 38-8-106.

Previous Drug Use Criteria

  • Marijuana use will be viewed in the context of the applicant’s age at the time of use, the recency of use, and the frequency of use. No marijuana use will be allowed within 2 years of the date of the application.
  • No other illegal drug use within 7 years of application. Combined use of other drugs besides marijuana must not exceed 5 times. This includes but is not limited to: marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, anabotlic steroids, ecstasy, LSD.
  • No sale of any drugs.
  • Could have permanent disqualification for use of heroin, LSD, PCP, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine or similar substances.
  • Any prior drug use, admitted or discovered, will be evaluated in determining employment eligibility.
  • No pattern of abuse of legal or legend drugs (including steroids).
  • Must pass polygraph or CVSA concerning use.